The Brief

Maricopa County Approves $36 Billion Data Center Near Luke Air Force Base Amid Community Concerns

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved Project Baccara, a $36 billion data center development near Luke Air Force Base, despite significant opposition from local residents and businesses.

In a contentious decision, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has approved Project Baccara, a $36 billion data center development slated for construction near Luke Air Force Base in the West Valley. The project, which includes two 1-million-square-foot data centers and a 700-megawatt generating station, has sparked significant opposition from local residents and businesses concerned about potential environmental impacts and its proximity to the military base. Supervisor Steve Gallardo was the sole dissenting vote against granting a military compatibility permit for the project. During the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 6, 2026, several residents expressed their concerns, leading some to walk out in protest after the decision was announced. The approval of Project Baccara marks a significant development in Maricopa County's economic landscape. Proponents argue that the data center will bring substantial economic benefits, including job creation and increased tax revenue. However, opponents fear potential environmental issues, such as groundwater contamination and air quality degradation, as well as the project's impact on the military operations at Luke Air Force Base. The decision has ignited a broader debate about balancing economic development with environmental and community considerations. As the project moves forward, stakeholders on both sides are closely monitoring its implementation and its effects on the local community and environment.

ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.

Sources

Massive data center approved near Luke Air Force Base despite opposition — azfamily.com
"Maricopa County confirms new measles case; likely infected locally" — AZFamily
"Board of Supervisors Meeting Information" — Maricopa County, AZ
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[YouTube] Board of Supervisors Special Meeting June 23, 2026 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcf_p7Hzktk — youtube.com
[YouTube] Board of Supervisors Informal Meeting June 22, 2026 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7vPzdgqU-I — youtube.com
[YouTube] Stadium District Board Meeting June 19, 2026 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtKNIVTFqJ4 — youtube.com
[YouTube] 2026-06-18 Board of Adjustment Hearing — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBFpBpSkycc — youtube.com
Residents ask Maricopa County to take control of Surprise. Here's why — YouTube · azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic